A civil servant on probation (Beamter auf Probe) is a status for civil servants who complete a probation period before they are appointed for life. The term often comes up after the traineeship, when the first permanent post is discussed. This guide explains what defines the status and what you should watch out for.
Short answer: A civil servant on probation holds a civil service relationship that serves a probation period, usually in preparation for a later appointment for life. The legal basis is § 4 para. 3 of the Federal Civil Service Status Act (Beamtenstatusgesetz). The length of the probation period and how it can be extended are set out by state law.
The essentials at a glance
- A civil servant on probation has a status with a probation period, which usually leads to appointment for life later on.
- The legal basis is § 4 para. 3 of the Beamtenstatusgesetz. State law sets the duration.
- This status is not the same as a civil servant on revocable appointment, who serves the preparatory service.
- Pay, Beihilfe and questions of insurance also follow state law during the probation period.
- Anyone who does not pass the probation period can be dismissed. The details are set out in law.
What distinguishes the status from a civil servant on revocable appointment?
Under § 4 para. 3 of the Beamtenstatusgesetz, a civil service relationship on probation serves the completion of a probation period. This prepares for later service for life or for the assignment of a post with a leading function. A civil servant on revocable appointment, by contrast, is in the preparatory service. Often the step after the traineeship is exactly the change from one status to the other.
How long is the probation period?
The length is set by state law, so there is no uniform figure nationwide. Take the rule of your state from the career regulation (Laufbahnverordnung) or the state civil service act (Landesbeamtengesetz). The rules on how an extension works are also set by state law. The appointment letter shows the status for your case.
What effects does the probation period have on pay and insurance?
On probation you usually receive the pay of the entry grade (Eingangsamt) and no longer trainee pay. In health insurance, Beihilfe plays a major role, and the combination with private health insurance is widespread. Both routes have advantages and disadvantages, so a comparison is worthwhile before you decide. For Beihilfe and insurance after the traineeship, read Health Insurance After the Trainee Period: What Comes Next.
What happens if the probation is not successful?
If it becomes clear during the probation period that the requirements are not being met, the civil service relationship can be ended. Dismissal is governed by §§ 22 and 23 of the Beamtenstatusgesetz and by state law. Anyone affected should seek an early conversation with the personnel office and clarify the reasons.
Frequently asked questions
Is a civil servant on probation the same as a civil servant?
In a broad sense, yes. Anyone on probation is already a civil servant. The final position comes with appointment for life. Until then the probation period applies.
Can I simply resign during the probation period?
Leaving does not work like terminating an employment contract. It runs through the routes provided by law. The personnel office can tell you what applies.
Is there a special rule for teachers?
For teachers, probation and taking up a post in the school system depend strongly on the state. In some places you start in an employment relationship first. Read the job advertisement and the requirements of your state’s education ministry.
How do I apply for Beihilfe as a civil servant on probation?
You apply for Beihilfe at the Beihilfe office of your state or employer and submit invoices and receipts. The deadline and form are set out in state law.
What to do now
- Read your appointment notice and note the status, pay grade and probation period.
- Look up the rules on duration and extension of the probation period in state law.
- Compare pay, Beihilfe and health insurance before you commit.
- Discuss open questions with the personnel office and keep everything in writing.
Related reading
- Civil Servant Health Aid During Training: Rates and Claims
- Health Insurance After the Trainee Period: What Comes Next
- Health insurance during clerkship: GKV, PKV and Beihilfe
- Referendariat: Anwärterbezüge nach Bundesland (in German)
Sources: § 4 BeamtStG, Act Governing the Status Rights of Civil Servants in the Länder (gesetze-im-internet.de) (in German), Federal Civil Service Status Act (BeamtStG), full text (gesetze-im-internet.de) (in German) (accessed October 2026).
Stand: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
